healthy habits

There was a time when taking my calcium supplements was as easy as pie. In fact, there was a time (not so long ago) when I was not only consuming calcium supplements, but I was eating right and exercising. Now, as a wife, mother of two young children, and a time starved working mom, the thought of doing anything more than I absolutely have makes me a bit crazy. At the end of the day, if my family is fed and clean and I’ve managed to work on my passion, I’m done right? Not quite.

Calcium deserves attention, too. Our bodies need it to build and maintain strong bones and if we don’t get enough of it, we could develop health issues related to weaker bones. Without the proper dose of calcium over many years, we may have more bone fractures. A calcium deficiency can also increase your risk of osteoporosis. And since our bodies do not produce calcium, it is important to get it through diet or supplements.

Calcium and Food

A typical woman consumes about 640 mg of calcium a day. However, the recommended daily dose of calcium for pre-menopausal women is 1,200 mg. The best way to consume calcium is through a healthy diet. Calcium is found in a wide range of foods, including:

Cheese, milk, yogurt and other dairy products.

Broccoli, kale and other dark-green, leafy vegetables.

Sardines, canned salmon and other fish with soft, edible bones.

Calcium-fortified foods and liquids, such as orange juice, soy products and cereal.

Calcium Supplements

Even if you eat a healthy diet, you may not get enough calcium. In order to meet your daily calcium requirements, you can take supplements. However, there are many different types of supplements on the market.

As my MD would say check with your doctor or pharmacist about the best type of calcium supplement for you, depending on your needs, preferences, medical conditions or the medications you take. You should also ask them about the best time to take your calcium supplements, especially if you take other supplements or prescription medications.

Off to have my yogurt! What kind of food habits are trying to (re)build?